"Last year I created custom art pieces (https://aidenmjarvis.wixsite.com/artbyaiden) in order to attend an awesome STEM summer program called "Wizards and Warriors." I am working hard so I can go to the Wizards and Warriors 2-week OVERNIGHT program at the Cambridge School of Weston. I'm so dedicated I am not doing any other programs for the summer in order to attend one session in 2018. I have applied for a scholarship and am also earning funds to be able to go through helping my family and friends with raking leaves, shoveling, cleaning and helpful my mom and dad with my 4 younger siblings. Thank you for helping me get there!" - Aiden, Age 11

Dear friends, family and community,

If you’re not familiar, Wizards & Warriors Camp is a creative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-based summer camp run by professionals, parents, and teachers who want to create the experience of a live adventure "to help kids and teens discover the hero they hold inside." They strive to "emotionally engage our campers in educational adventures where they are excited to learn about science, math, Latin, history, and more to solve the mystery in which they are the Hero." If you know Aiden, you know that he is passionate about being creative, imaginative, playing games, loving animals and, of course, sword fighting! This is his first overnight experience and he is very excited about being fully emerged, in character, in this incredible story for two whole weeks with like-minded adventure goers.Wizards and Warriors will not only give him the chance to meet friends but will also teach him skills in tactical training, research and development, and first aid. There is so much more to this incredible program. I strongly suggest a visit to their web page where you can learn more and watch videos: https://www.swordsummercamp.com/ .

As Aiden's parents we are asking for the support of Aiden's community, including those who support STEM, gaming and LARP, to help him reach his goal. We want Aiden to work hard towards EARNING his tuition cost versus just requesting for donations. Aiden will also be continuing to work in our local community to try and earn money to pay for his experience in addition to his other activies such as Cub Scouts, Chess club and the French Horn. Have a task for him? He’s happy to complete work for your donation so make a request! In addition, we have helped Aiden begin an Etsy shop which you can visit at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WarriorAiden

In addition to his dedication of providing services to our community, we are committed to submitting scholarship requests and will keep you posted on those goals.

Why W&W program? Besides being the "best place EVER" according to Aiden, the Wizards and Warriors program is a special place for kids who enjoy activities that aren't always appreciated in traditional summer camps. Their focus on STEM programs combined with creative life-action adventures is truly a specialized experience for unique children. Take a look at some of the recent highlights of the program below to get a better idea what could await Aiden this summer...

“What some might dismiss as a geeky alternative to more traditional camps, where sports and art classes rule, is actually a precious, even irresplaceable resource to the population it serves… these kids get to engage in more physically challenging and socially interactive versions of the [computer] games they already love. For many, the excitement comes from playing characters of their own creation in a multilayered adventure story their actions help shape. For others, it’s about sword fighting. But everyone seems to agree on the value – and fun – of turning video-game materials into real-life play.” - The Boston Globe

“A sensitive exposure to other cultures adds an ethical dimension to the experience, reinforced by the camp’s emphasis on compassion, courage and honor as the highest virtues to which the young heroes should aspire.” - NPR